Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America · 23 hours ago
Sr. Controls Engineer
De Soto, KS
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
7+ years expPanasonic Energy Corporation of North America is expanding to De Soto, Kansas, where they’re building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. The Senior Controls Engineer will support the design, implementation, and optimization of automation systems within the battery manufacturing operations, focusing on programming and troubleshooting PLCs and vision systems to enhance performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation.
Information Technology & Services
No H1B
Responsibilities
Program, install, and troubleshoot PLCs (Mitsubishi, Omron) and vision systems (Keyence) for manufacturing equipment
Support integration of control systems with electrical hardware and machinery
Develop and implement solutions to improve control system performance and reliability
Lead or support the build and testing of prototype systems and components
Prepare detailed system schematics, layouts, and wiring diagrams
Evaluate technical and economic feasibility of new or modified equipment
Analyze test data to validate system functionality, performance, and safety
Develop experimental test programs and drive improvements based on results
Apply knowledge of environmental regulations, energy optimization, and control wiring safety
Identify and recommend design or system optimizations that support long-term manufacturing and EPC objectives
Provide guidance on materials, components, and manufacturing methods
Share technical expertise in PLC programming, automation design, and system troubleshooting with junior engineers and project teams
Support development of engineering standards, templates, and best practices
Analyze product and equipment specifications with stakeholders to define automation system requirements
Work with R&D and cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and support design improvement initiatives
Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, process, and construction teams to ensure alignment of automation designs with broader project goals
Ensure design compliance with NFPA 70, NFPA 79, UL standards, and hazardous location (Class I, Division 2) requirements
Maintain awareness of applicable American environmental laws and UL standards and incorporate them into design decisions
Plan and execute testing programs that verify system safety, reliability, and compliance
Support risk assessment activities related to control systems, including failure mode analysis and mitigation planning
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical or Control Systems Engineering (State of Kansas preferred)
7+ years of hands-on controls engineering experience, preferably in a manufacturing or capital project environment
Proven ability to collaborate across departments, including international teams, to support integrated engineering solutions
Excellent problem-solving ability using first principles thinking to resolve complex automation challenges
Proficient in control panel and wiring design, including schematics, layouts, component selection, and industrial cabling standards
In-depth knowledge of electrical hardware and systems, including PLC I/O, sensors, motor controls, and 480V panel installations
Demonstrated expertise in PLC architecture, sequence control, and logic/software development
Working knowledge of NFPA 70, NFPA 79, and related UL safety standards for industrial machinery
Familiar with Class I, Division 2 hazardous location electrical requirements
Hands-on experience with machine vision systems, particularly Keyence and Cognex, for installation and troubleshooting
Understanding of energy usage optimization strategies in automated systems and equipment
Working knowledge of U.S. environmental regulations related to electrical and automation systems in manufacturing
Strong English communication skills, including the ability to read, write, and speak effectively in technical and cross-functional contexts
Alignment to Panasonic's seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)
Preferred
Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
UL 508A certification training
Certified Automation Professional (CAP) from ISA
PLC programming certifications from Mitsubishi, Omron, or Rockwell
10+ years of progressive controls engineering experience, with increasing responsibility in automation system design and integration
Background in high-volume manufacturing, preferably in lithium-ion battery, automotive, or electronics sectors
Advanced experience with Keyence and Cognex vision systems for inspection and defect detection
Familiarity with SCADA/HMI systems, robotic integration (e.g., FANUC, ABB), and large-scale automation projects
Proficient with AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar design tools
Experience in energy efficiency projects and compliance with environmental regulations
Informal leadership or mentoring experience
Strong skills in technical documentation, presentations, and cross-functional communication
Benefits
Health Benefits - Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
Voluntary Benefits - Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) - 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
Paid Time-Off Benefits - Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
Educational Assistance - Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
Health Management and Wellbeing Programs -Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
On-site Food Options: Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events
Company
Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America
Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America (PECNA) is a large-scale, advanced battery manufacturer, operating in Sparks, Nevada and De Soto, Kansas, known for its quality of life and expansive outdoor adventures.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Justin Herman
VP & Chief Information Officer
Brooke Langhans
HPC Partner
Company data provided by crunchbase